Rabbi Menachem Landa prepares to give his car menorah a test spin.

Cruising with menorahs

This Chanukah, the Bay Area will witness the lighting of a Jelly Belly menorah, spectacular fire shows and several “Chanukahs on Ice.” But fasten your seatbelts: Chabad of Novato will hold the city’s first-ever “Car Menorah Parade” on the holiday’s fifth night, cruising several miles through town all lit up.

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12. Start at Railroad and Grant avenues, end at Ignacio Boulevard, Novato. [email protected]

saturday/8

Israeli folk dance party. Café Shalom presents monthly dancing and munchies. At St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 1399 43rd Ave., S.F. 7:30 p.m. $5-$8. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CafeShalom.

sunday/9

“Kugel Nosh Down.” Fundraiser for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, food, prizes, drinks. Benefit for Congregation Sha’ar Zahav Hebrew school. At Sha’ar Zahav, 290 Dolores St., S.F. 3 p.m. $15-$30. http://kugelnoshdown.brownpapertickets.com.

FIDF Chanukah benefit. Featuring Israeli singer Eddie Grimberg and the Sunlight Orchestra and singer Mira Stroika. At Mark Hopkins Hotel, 1 Nob Hill, S.F. 5:30 p.m. $250 and up. RSVP required at www.fidf.org. (See story, 3)

“Hanukkah Hootenanny!” Latkes and libations. Benefit for the Children’s Health Initiative–Napa County. At Judd’s Hill Winery, 2332 Silverado Trail, Napa. 12 to 2:30 p.m. $50. www.juddshill.com.

wednesday/12

Evening of Jewish folk tales. With storyteller Joel ben Izzy. Fundraiser for Congregation Beth Shalom of Napa Valley. At a private residence in Napa. 5:30 p.m. RSVP for location at www.cbsnapa.org.

Jewish Volunteer Day. With Project Homeless Connect. Lunch provided. At Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St., S.F. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up at www.surveymonkey.com/s/JewishVolunteerDayRSVP.

thursday/20

“Vodka and Latke.” Benefit for Hebrew Free Loan Association. At Club 330 Ritch, 360 Ritch St., S.F. 7 p.m. $30-$35. www.hflasf.org.